hey prescott.
See what you qualify for

Washington County Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive

Washington County Community Development (Next Generation Housing) · West Bend, Wisconsin

Last verified
See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

$20,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Price cap

$420,000

Highest purchase price the program allows

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 5 years

What is Washington County Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive?

Washington County Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in West Bend, Wisconsin, administered by Washington County Community Development (Next Generation Housing).

  • Washington County's Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive pays up to $20,000 (10% of purchase price or $20,000, whichever is less) pre-paid at closing toward an owner-occupied home under $420,000 in Washington County. Recipients then 'earn' the incentive over five years by volunteering and donating to nonprofit Participating Agencies serving Washington County residents.
  • Up to $20,000 (10% of purchase price, capped at $20,000) paid at closing; earned back through community volunteering ($25/hour) and donations ($0.70 per $1 donated) over 5 years.
  • Funding comes from Washington County (Social Capital / Next Generation Housing initiative).

How much assistance does it provide?

Washington County Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive offers up to $20,000 in assistance.

  • Award tiers: Incentive = 10% of purchase price or $20,000, whichever is less. 5-year earn period: $25 credit per volunteer hour and $0.70 credit per $1 donated. Functions as a forgivable/earned obligation over 5 years.
  • The program can be combined with Potentially combinable with other DPA (the county also participates in the HOME Consortium DPA); confirm with administrator.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Washington County Community Development (Next Generation Housing) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Washington County Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Recipient must earn the incentive within five years; unearned amounts subject to repayment (exact recapture terms in program agreement).
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Washington County Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • Residency: Home must be located in Washington County and be the recipient's primary residence.
  • Applicants must be 18+, pre-approved for a mortgage, and pass a criminal background check. First-come, first-served via online portal; reopened Oct 2024 and open while funds last. UNCONFIRMED: homebuyer education requirement, min credit score, DTI, exact recapture mechanics.

The program excludes

  • Purchases above the $420,000 price cap

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

Washington County Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive sets its income limit as follows: No income limit stated; eligibility is not income-restricted (must be pre-approved for a mortgage).

  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Washington County Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive caps the purchase price at $420,000.

  • Eligible property types include single_family.
  • New construction is eligible.

Where does it apply?

Washington County Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive serves buyers purchasing in West Bend, Wisconsin.

  • Targeted neighborhoods: Washington County.

How do you apply?

Applications for Washington County Heart & Homestead Earned Down Payment Incentive go through Washington County Community Development (Next Generation Housing), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Contact Washington County Community Development (Next Generation Housing) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  2. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

90-second match

Not sure which you qualify for?

Answer 9 questions and we'll match you to every program you can actually use — in about 90 seconds. No SSN, no credit pull.

Find my programs